Skill development represents the process of learning and refining abilities in a specific area or profession. It involves continuously improving one’s competencies to improve performance in a given position. This can be achieved through training, education, and practical experience, and it is a perpetual process. Skill development holds important value in a nation like India due to its unconventional demographic nature, growing economic ambitions, and the issues of social equity and employment that need to be addressed.

Whether you are an experienced professional looking to transition to a new field or a recently graduated aspirant, developing the right set of skills can open the doors for better job prospects, higher salaries, as well as good career progression. But what is it that makes skill development important, and how do these programs help in guiding your career direction?

Why Skill Development Matter?

India is among the rapidly expanding economies in the world at present. However, the country is experiencing an enormous challenge in the form of skill gaps. According to a report by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), over 70% of India’s workforce is deficient in the skills required for the contemporary job market. This is where skill development programs become enormously important.

Various sectors of the economy, such as banking, information technology (IT), insurance, sales and retail, healthcare, hospitality, and manufacturing, are in search for skilled manpower who can meet the demands of a world that is driven by technology. The disheartening reality of the current job market is such that even the most talented individuals are struggling to find or keep a suitable job because they lack appropriate skills.

Contribution of Skill Enhancement Programs to Career Growth

Skill development programs offer practical training, certifications, and training on new technologies to prepare individuals with relevant skills and knowledge that are currently in demand, thereby improving their chances of getting employment. Here is why skill development programs are important for your career development:

1. Explore New Career Trajectories

Skill development programs can help you transition to new sectors. For example, the blossoming of the startup environment in the country has, among other things, created more avenues for careers in emerging professions such as data science, digital marketing, and even cybersecurity. In case you are presently employed in some other sector, acquiring skills in these fields will prepare you to switch careers with confidence. Let’s say you are a professional working in customer service. You can make a transition to the position of digital marketing specialist or SEO specialist after undertaking a certification or a PGP program in digital marketing. These positions are in good demand owing to the rise in e-commerce and online businesses in India.

2. Improve Workforce Marketability

Another important benefit of skill development programs is that they increase workforce marketability. As per a LinkedIn report in 2022, approximately 80% of managers prefer hiring candidates with specific skills, even over those with a degree. Upgrading the skills helps your resume stand out from the rest and improves your chances of getting employed. If your inclination is towards the IT industry, it is better to take courses in programming languages such as Python or JavaScript. You can also develop proficiency in data analytics, cybersecurity or cloud computing which helps in improving your chances of securing a nicely paid job at top tech firms such as Infosys, TCS, or Wipro.

3. Opportunity to Start Your Own Ventures

According to research by NASSCOM, there are more than 50,000 start-ups that have been established in the country. The culture of entrepreneurship is definitely thriving thanks to the efforts put forth by the government to encourage and foster these ventures. The landscape is seeing an influx of young visionaries stepping into technology-driven projects, e-commerce initiatives, and sustainable business models, among others. To equip yourself with the skills for launching your successful business, consider enrolling in skill-building programs focused on entrepreneurship or start-up management.

4. Refining Job Skills

In case you are a seasoned professional, improving your competencies will ensure that you remain competitive in your career. Most organizations need workers who can adapt to the changing dynamics in the market and employ the skills they possess. Whether your role is technical or more focused on leadership, being able to employ modern tools, work efficiently, and produce better results helps you become an invaluable resource in any firm. Take the example of the BFSI industry, which has witnessed a significant shift toward digital banking. Professionals who earn certifications or postgraduate degrees in areas like banking and finance, financial analysis, digital payments, or blockchain are increasingly sought after in the developing financial sector. These qualifications also provide opportunities for greater career progress within their organizations.

5. Greater Professional Progress

Apart from getting the right job, career development is also about climbing the corporate ladder. Skill development programs help individuals acquire competencies needed for promotions and managerial or leadership positions. Professional leadership programs or management certifications endow you with the tools to take on supervisory positions. For instance, if you are working in sales, attending a retail and sales management program can teach you how to improve your team’s performance, manage client relationships, and drive growth. With these certifications, your chances of getting promoted to senior roles such as sales manager or regional sales head can improve considerably.

Several Skills-based Programs in India to Develop its Young People for the Future

• The Digital India Program helps promote digital literacy, cyber security, and e-governance.
• Online courses in data analytics, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and many other disciplines are available through Careerera, Udemy, SkillSchool, Coursera, and other such platforms.

• Programs such as Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) focus on providing skill training in diverse industries such as IT, healthcare, and retail.

• The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) works alongside several stakeholders to develop technical and vocational skills.

• Data Science & AI programs introduced by NASSCOM aim at developing the skills of professionals according to the needs of the data science and AI industries.

Conclusion

Skill enhancement programs provide you with the skills needed to excel in your field, advance your career, and even start your venture. For Indian youth, these programs focus on practical skills, preparing them to succeed in a swiftly changing world.